I'm new too! I used to camp in a 3 room cabin style tent with the works (huge tarp over it with many poles) but since I have become a single woman for the first time in a looooooonnng time I found it difficult to pack, set up, pull down and put away everything.

Just recently I decided to buy an onsite van so that I could have somewhere near the coast to take my grandchildren, and to get used to living in a small place when retirement eventually happens. I'm hoping by then I will be able to buy a campervan/motorhome and take off to see the rest of this great place we live in.

I'm hoping that through the forums I might be able to get some advice about renovating my little "home away from home".

Gypsy - my grandchildren are 3 1/2 and 10 months old. I've taken my granddaughter (3 1/2) down to see the van and she is very excited. There is lots to do at South Durrass, with nice beaches, great bushwalks and plenty of wildlife.

I live in Canberra, and the van is only 2 hours drive away. I agree camping is agreat outdoor healthy activity and they are never too young to start, but I just don't have the energy for all that setting up with either one very active little girl or both granndchildren. I'll leave that to their parents. My kids all loved camping but are so busy these days they never seem to have time to relax - hopefully my "little home away from away" will reignite something in them.

Well Di they are both pretty yooung that is for sure and I do like your plan, I hope it works for you and the children.

Sometimes we do just have to bite the bullet and make time and I think that is a problem with the younger generation, they just seem to be too busy all the time.

Some of the girls I work with have often asked me to organise a girls only camp and every time I try to do so I get road blocks all over the place. To the point where now I have just given up and go and do my own thing.

Di, I wish you all the best in your little venture, please keep us informed as to how the plans are progressing.